Farrakhan taking leave to recover from cancer therapy

Nation of Islam leader weak but out of danger, doctor says

March 19, 1999
Web posted at: 3:01 p.m. EST (2001 GMT)

In this story: Complications from radiation 'Rest, recovery and recuperation' RELATED STORIES, SITES

CHICAGO (CNN) -- Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam leader who headed the 1995 Million Man March on Washington, has been weakened by years of medical treatment for prostate cancer and plans to take a four-month sabbatical, his doctor said on Friday.

Nevertheless, the physician said, Farrakhan is in good health overall.

"His prostate cancer is no issue, it is completely controlled," Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad told reporters at a Chicago news conference. "There is no need to expect the imminent demise of the Honorable Louis Farrakhan. He isn't going anywhere."

Farrakhan was not at the news conference. The Muslim group's leaders, citing security concerns, declined to disclose his location beyond saying that he is not hospitalized.

Concerns over Farrakhan's health arose after the Nation of Islam's newspaper reported recently that he was gravely ill.

Abdul Alim said that since Farrakhan, 65, was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991 he has been treated "appropriately" with radiation and "a form of hormonal suppression."

Complications from radiation

RELATED AUDIO Listen to the doctor discuss Farrakhan's health 249K/10 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

As a result of his treatment, Farrakhan also has an inflammation of the lower colon, a known complication of this (radiation) therapy." Abdul Alim said. "Every single person who receives (this type of treatment) develops ... this inflammation in the lower rectal area."

The side effect, which the doctor said was expected, "can produce pain, spasm, diarrhea (and) occasionally a little blood. It is expected that it will take as long as 18 to 24 months for that area of local inflammation to completely heal."

The cancer treatment, combined with a bout of flu last year, left Farrakhan feeling "weak and drained," Abdul Alim said. "He was not his usual, energetic self."

"We are dealing with a man who characteristically rises long before the sun comes up," the doctor said of Farrakhan. "He practices his violin for two hours. He goes to the gym and works out for two or three hours. Then, he starts his business day (which can last) late into the night."

'Rest, recovery and recuperation'

Abdul Alim said Farrakhan was like "Superman, who is used to scaling a tall building in a single bound. Now it takes two bounds. But for mere mortals like you and I, that's still Superman."

The doctor said he had advised Farrakhan to slow his pace and was glad the Muslim leader agreed last week to take the four-month sabbatical "for rest, recovery and recuperation."

The Nation of Islam's newspaper, The Final Call, reported Farrakhan had been ill since early January with an undiagnosed condition.

It quoted Farrakhan as saying the illness "took me down so fast, that it concerned me greatly because, though I'm nearing 66, I have never been sick like this in my life."

During a February 28 speech in Chicago, Farrakhan said he lost 20 pounds and most of his muscle mass in less than two weeks and had "no appetite, night sweats, dealing with the after effects of radiation therapy ... and other things," according to the newspaper.

But Farrakhan also said he was feeling better at the time. "I thank Allah, the healer, for gradually returning my health and strength to me," he said in the speech.

Over the years Farrakhan has had bitter words for Jews, whites, Catholics, women and homosexuals. He once called Judaism a "gutter religion" and said Adolf Hitler was a wickedly great man.

But his successful organization of the Million Man March on Washington -- a peaceful demonstration that drew hundreds of thousands of black men to the capital to show commitment and responsibility in life -- won him new respect, and his speeches in recent years have carried less venom.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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